The season five winner of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), Nate Diaz (7-2), will return to the Octagon against Alvin Robinson (9-2) at UFC Fight Night 12 on January 23.

The Caesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu-trained Diaz is fresh off a submission win (guillotine) over Junior Assuncao at UFC Fight Night 11 in September. It was his first bout since defeating Manny Gamburyan at the TUF 5 Finale to become the 155-pound winner of the mixed martial arts reality series that airs on SpikeTV.

Robinson bounced back from a punishing loss to Kenny Florian (verbal submission) in his Octagon debut at UFC 73: “Stacked” to beat Jorge Gurgel to a bloody pulp at UFC 77: “Hostile Territory” last month en route to a unanimous decision win.

Both Diaz and Robinson are well known for their submission games; however, the edge on the ground would have to go to Diaz in this one — he’s very crafty. “The Kid,” on the other hand, is very strong and powerful.

I think Nate will take this one easy. Nate is like Kenny Florian in a lot of way. Great ground game with good stand up that just hasn't been noticed yet in the UFC. Alvin IMO wasn't tested his last fight in the UFC. Jorge Gurgel is not that great IMO and I knew Alvin would spank him.

I just see the same thing happening that happened in the Kenny fight. I see Nate pressing forward, exchanging and Nate getting the better but then have the same ending as the Gray fight with Alvin taking it the ground and Nate catching him in a sub.

i like nate, but i think alvins going to just overwelm him. Diaz is more than capable of pulling off a sub from the bottom, but like sombody already said if gurgel couldnt catch alvin, i dont think nate will. I think alvin gets a UD.

Just so you both know. Jorge hasn't finished a UFC fight yet. Nate has finished all of his official UFC fights. I think he went the distance on TUF 5 against somebody or maybe not. Point being Jorge don't finish fights. At least in the UFC. Nate does. That's why I think Nate will sub him. He's a taller and longer and more flexible fighter then Jorge which is an advantage in grappling unlike Jorge's short body stature. Just thought that would be nice to bring up.

Last edited 11/24/07 8:11AM server time by NatedawgthamEdit note/reason: n/a

If Franca couldn't overwhelm Diaz how in the holy hell do you think Alvin will? Just thought I would throw that out there. Diaz won't let Alvin posture up and deliver a beatdown from hell. I also think Diaz will have the advantage standing. I have Diaz winning by 2nd round sub.

Anyways this fight will be a great one the Diaz brothers always put on a show.

I know what you're saying, but Jorge Gurgel is better than Nate Diaz on the ground, plain and simple. He never came close to catching Alvin, and I just have a feeling Nate's going to get his teeth kicked in.